Brewery accounts

Prior to 1890 the profits of breweries were so large that close accounting was not indispensable; for so long as the volume of business was maintained or increased, and the physical operations of manufacture were fairly well conducted, a reasonably good profit on capital invested was assured. Increase in running expenses, cost of materials and bad debts have so reduced the margin of profit that it has become essential not only to have correct cost accounts, but to arrange the books so that the brewery managers may ascertain without delay the results of current operations. An annual or semi-annual profit account no longer serves: monthly reports must be had, and that promptly, so that leaks may be stopped before serious losses are incurred